Mount Rainier National Park has released Paradise Cellular Environmental Assessment for Public Comment

The National Park Service (NPS) has prepared an Environmental Assessment that considers the issuance of right-of-way permits to Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile and AT&T that would allow co-location of a limited range Wireless Communications Facility (WCF) in the Paradise area, Mount Rainier National Park, Pierce County, Washington. The NPS is required by the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to consider all applications for the installation of wireless communication facilities on NPS lands.

This Environmental Assessment (EA) evaluates two alternatives: a no action alternative and an action alternative. Under the no action alternative, cellular service would not be provided at Paradise. The proposed action alternative would include installation of supporting equipment in the east and west attics of the Paradise Visitor Center with antennas mounted and concealed behind the outside panels on the gable ends of the building. Fiberglass panels on the exterior would mask the antennas. The purpose of the facility would be to provide year-round cellular service to the Paradise developed area.

This EA has been prepared consistent with NPS guidance for implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act, and provides the decision-making framework that 1) analyzes a reasonable range of alternatives to meet objectives of the proposal, 2) evaluates potential issues and impacts to the park’s resources, values and visitors, and 3) identifies mitigation measures to lessen the degree or extent of these impacts.

Mount Rainier National Park invites you to provide comments on the Paradise Cellular Environmental Assessment. Comments that provide corrections or suggestions to improve the alternatives or the environmental analysis would be most helpful.

Please comment online using the National Park Service Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website at: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/paradisecellular or mail comments to: Superintendent, Mount Rainier National Park, 55210 238th Ave. E., Ashford, Washington, 98304. This EA will be available for public review and comment for 45 days ending July 19, 2017.

Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. Although you can request in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, this cannot be guaranteed. Bulk comments in any format (hard copy or electronic) submitted on behalf of others will not be accepted.